Top 10 Lakes around Chesapeake

The lakes around Chesapeake offer diverse natural environments. For instance, Lake Drummond, located within the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, is known for its unique "black water" stained by cypress and gum trees, providing a pristine habitat for wildlife. Other areas like Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge are protected natural monuments, home to a wide variety of birds and animals.

Excellent spots for wildlife observation include Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, which has been protected since 1938 and is home to diverse birds and animals. Lake Drummond, within the Great Dismal Swamp, is also a critical habitat for various bird species and other swamp inhabitants. Even the man-made lakes in the Forest Lakes neighborhood attract local waterfowl, herons, and egrets.

Yes, several lakes offer easy walking and hiking trails. Oak Grove Lake Park features an excellent 1.5-mile loop trail that encircles the entire lake, suitable for all. Lake Trashmore also has scenic trails, including a paved path around its perimeter. For more options, you can explore easy hikes like the Bells Mill Park Loop or the Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterways Park Loop, detailed in the Easy hikes around Chesapeake guide.

Lake Drummond is a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing, allowing you to experience its serene waters and abundant wildlife. The Dismal Swamp Canal, a 22-mile-long waterway, also provides opportunities for exploring forested wetlands by boat, canoe, or kayak. Additionally, the North Landing River Natural Area Preserve is an excellent place for kayaking.

Lake Drummond permits year-round fishing, with common catches including crappie, bowfin, and bullhead catfish. Oak Grove Lake Park is another popular fishing spot, stocked with Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Channel Catfish, and features multiple fishing piers. The North Landing River Natural Area Preserve, comprised mostly of wetlands, is also an excellent place for fishing.

Yes, Oak Grove Lake Park is a great family-friendly destination, offering a playground, picnic areas, and an accessible walking trail. Lake Trashmore also provides scenic trails and is part of Mount Trashmore Park, which has various recreational facilities. The trails around Lake Lawson Bridge are flat and shaded, making them suitable for all types of outdoor activities with family.

For Oak Grove Lake Park, there is ample parking available. Access to Lake Drummond can be achieved via the feeder ditch off the Dismal Swamp Canal or through a boat ramp along Route 17. The Dismal Swamp Canal also has boat ramps for easy access. For specific trailheads like the Oak Grove Lake Park Trail or Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, parking is generally available on-site.

The lakes in Chesapeake can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and fall offer particularly pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and paddling. These seasons also provide opportunities to observe migratory birds. Summer is ideal for water-based activities, though it can be warm and humid. Winter offers a quieter experience, especially for birdwatching.

Yes, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful place to visit, especially if you cycle along its paths. While Oak Grove Lake Park is popular for walking and jogging, the paved trail around Lake Trashmore is also suitable for cycling. For more cycling routes, you can check the Road Cycling Routes around Chesapeake guide, which includes routes like the Elizabeth River Trail.

For Lake Drummond, fishing is permitted year-round, and boating access is available via the feeder ditch or a boat ramp. At Oak Grove Lake Park, private boats, kayaks, or canoes are currently not permitted on the lake, but shoreline fishing is accessible. Always check with local authorities or the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) for the most current regulations, especially for permits or specific fishing rules. You can find more information about Oak Grove Lake on the Virginia DWR website.

Lake Trashmore is unique because it's situated within Mount Trashmore Park, a recreational area built on a former landfill. The lake itself offers scenic trails and is appreciated by nature lovers and hikers. The park's namesake, Mount Trashmore, a 60-foot-tall 'mountain' created from compacted waste and soil, provides a distinctive backdrop and views.